The Demon Lords

Chapter 492 13 Sword Saint_3

"Siniang."

"Hmm?"

"I know you're trying to comfort me, but could you use a different metaphor next time?"

Comparing establishing a career to opening a club is quite apt on some level, but it really gives off a strange feeling.

"I misspoke, my lord."

"It's nothing."

"By the way, my lord, didn't you say before that Emperor Jin was of no use anymore?"

"From the current looks of it, the capital city is lost. If we manage to hold out this time until reinforcements arrive to lift the siege, his next move would likely be to go to Li Tian City and quietly become a mere figurehead by Lord Jingnan's side. If the Yan Emperor is a bit more decisive, it's not impossible for him to be directly recalled to Yanjing to become the Duke of Anle. After all, the Situ Family has now established their own nation. The division of Jin land into two has become an undeniable reality, and Yu Ciming's usefulness is negligible. Thinking about it this way, his sudden move is understandable. If he didn't do something, his end would likely be the same anyway."

"My lord, I heard that..."

"What did you hear?"

"I heard that the Dowager Empress of Jin State is quite a beautiful widow."

Upon hearing this, Zheng Fan sighed and said, "You really have a good outlook on things."

「...」

Outside the fort, in the Jin Army's main camp:

Dressed in military attire, Yu Huacheng stood on the high platform outside the main tent, observing the situation at the fort. After a short while, he ordered, "Withdraw the troops."

This night attack had failed. The Yan Army's reaction speed within the fort surpassed his estimations. Furthermore, their audacity to open the gates and send out cavalry to charge after repelling an assault was proof enough that the Yan Army's commander within was skilled in warfare.

I was too careless.

"Zheng Fan… Zheng Fan…"

Yu Huacheng muttered the name. He had learned which Yan Army unit garrisoned this fort from captives taken outside the fort when his main army had arrived earlier that day.

"Brother Jianguo, any random unit the Yan people field is formidable."

Standing beside Yu Huacheng was a general named Situ Jianguo, Situ Lei's nephew.

"Though we've always disdained the Helian Family for their empty posturing and the Wenren Family for only knowing business, they were, after all, built upon the legacy of the Three Jin's cavalry. Hundreds of thousands of their troops were annihilated by the Yan people in one fell swoop. Even if the Yan forces attacking from the rear was a contributing factor, it undeniably demonstrates the Yan people's skill in warfare."

"Brother Jianguo, Qian State is currently gravely weakened, and Chu State is mired in internal strife over the succession. The last time the Yan's northern defense army was redeployed, the barbarian tribes of the desolate wastes made no move. While it's evident the Yan people wish to avoid conflict now and focus on recuperation, if war were to truly erupt at this juncture, could Dacheng withstand it?"

Qian State would never send troops; they wouldn't send troops even if beaten to death. Chu State, even if it wanted to, couldn't dispatch forces at this moment. If a full-scale war truly broke out, it would be Yan against the Situ Family's newly established Dacheng nation.

"His Majesty's envoy has already departed for Yanjing," Situ Jianguo said.

Yu Huacheng breathed a slight sigh of relief. Sending an envoy to Yanjing meant sueing for peace.

"Brother Huacheng, there's one thing I've always been puzzled about."

"Are you referring to why I defected to Dacheng?"

"Precisely."

"You certainly have the nerve to ask."

"I, Situ Jianguo, am known for being outspoken. Heh. Even on the day my uncle ascended the throne, I joked that the main hall was too ostentatious and not in keeping with regulations."

That's his established persona. When one has such a persona, many things become much more convenient.

"Did His Majesty punish you?"

"He did. Kicked me right over here," Situ Jianguo chuckled. "It's not that your post here is bad, Brother Huacheng. Before I arrived, I, your younger brother, was unaware that you had already switched your allegiance."

"Whether people say I covet wealth and power or that I'm merely trying to survive at any cost, I have surrendered, and that's final. There's no point in offering further excuses."

"That's true, but Brother Huacheng, aren't you afraid the Sword Saint will come after you with his sword when he learns of this?"

Yu Huacheng shook his head.

Situ Jianguo continued, "My uncle is aware of the Sword Saint's temperament. With Dacheng newly established, breaking through this fort tomorrow and capturing the false emperor is one objective. If you have a way, Brother Huacheng, please convey a message to the Sword Saint. Qian State may have Baili Sword as the Crown Prince's martial instructor, but our Dacheng nation can invite the Sword Saint to be the Imperial Tutor."

"Imperial Tutor?"

Yu Huacheng was somewhat surprised.

Heaven, Earth, Sovereign, Kin, and Teacher—the title of 'Teacher,' especially Imperial Tutor, is not easily bestowed. Even without wielding real power, the sheer prestige and honor are unimaginably profound.

"My uncle says that on the path of martial arts, the accomplished one is the master. He greatly hopes to one day receive the Sword Saint's guidance."

Yu Huacheng nodded, indicating he understood.

Situ Jianguo added, "Your noble title, Brother Huacheng, will be conferred shortly. This capital city region belonged to your Yu Family, and it will continue to be so. My uncle also says, 'When drinking water, do not forget the one who dug the well.' The Situ Family and the Yu Family have always been as interdependent as lips and teeth. It's merely a matter of the east wind prevailing over the west wind today, and perhaps the west wind prevailing over the east wind another day. My own aunt is a royal lady of the Yu Clan. My uncle intends to establish a family decree: from his reign onward, the Empress of the Dacheng nation must always bear the surname Yu."

"Many thanks, Your Majesty," Yu Huacheng bowed.

Situ Jianguo immediately cupped his hands in salute towards the east and said, "May His Majesty enjoy good health."

"Brother Jianguo, you should go and rest. Tomorrow, this fort before us will undoubtedly be breached."

"I truly admire your abilities, Brother Huacheng. Please don't hesitate to use the five thousand troops I've brought. In war, casualties are inevitable; I can accept that."